Nerine

Nerine filifolia

Nerine flexuosa ‘Alba’

Nerine flexuosa ‘Alba’

In May each year this small Nerine produces a lovely display of white flowers. While it grows well and multiplies freely it is not as common in gardens as it could be.

At this time of year a plant which is in full flower is important. Planted in full sun it requires little care other than cleaning the bulbs by removing some of the old dead leaves ensuring the summer sun reaches the bulbs t make sure they will flower. Autumn watering will help establish their roots so that new bulbs are produced and the older ones have their energy renewed.

The genus Nerine, which belongs to the Amaryllidaceae, is made up of small to medium sized bulbous plants. They are all native to South Africa, and there are 20 to 30 species that originate from rock ledges, mountain screes, mountain ledges and other well-drained and arid habitats where the soil is not too rich. Most occur in the summer-rainfall areas, from the Eastern Cape Province north and eastward. In New Zealand they are quite hardy but in England and other countries with tougher winter climates they are considered to be tender and they are grown in pots.

Nerine filifolia

This is a tiny little nerine with grass like foliage and thin spidery rose pink flowers. It is excellent for those small intimate spaces in the garden and looks particularly good when grown adjacent to a large rock, urn or something with a plain surface to show off its fine detail.